Gift cards, often intended as the perfect present, can sometimes miss the mark. Maybe you received a gift card to a store you rarely visit, or perhaps you simply prefer cash. Instead of letting those unwanted gift cards gather dust, you can easily convert them into cash. This guide will walk you through the best ways to get Cash For Gift Cards, helping you turn that plastic into spendable money.
How to Exchange Gift Cards for Cash: Online Marketplaces and Direct Buyers
The digital age has made selling gift cards easier than ever. Several reputable online platforms specialize in buying and selling gift cards, providing a convenient way to recoup some value from those you won’t use. These platforms generally fall into two categories: marketplaces and direct buyers.
Gift Card Marketplaces: Selling Directly to Buyers
Marketplaces like GCX, a subsidiary of Raise, operate similarly to online auction sites. You list your gift card for sale, setting your desired price – typically at a discount to attract buyers. You have control over the discount percentage, and you can see what others are offering for similar cards to gauge the market. However, with marketplaces, you only get paid when your gift card sells, meaning there might be a wait.
GCX charges a 15% fee for using their platform. This means that the highest return you can expect is around 85% of the gift card’s face value. While the fee might seem significant, GCX’s established reputation and user-friendly interface can be appealing, especially for first-time sellers. They offer payouts via ACH direct deposit and PayPal, providing flexible options for receiving your cash for gift card.
Direct Gift Card Buyers: Quick and Convenient Transactions
For a faster and more hassle-free experience, consider direct gift card buyers like CardCash. These sites eliminate the need to wait for a buyer. You enter your gift card details, and CardCash instantly provides an offer. If you accept, they verify the card and send you payment. This streamlined process offers speed and certainty.
CardCash often provides higher returns than marketplaces like GCX, sometimes offering up to 92% of the gift card’s value. However, the percentage varies significantly depending on the retailer. Popular and in-demand gift cards, like Walmart, might fetch around 85% of their value, while less popular brands or specific store cards might offer lower rates. For example, an Apple Store gift card might get you around 77%, and a Microsoft gift card even less.
A significant advantage of CardCash is their broad acceptance of gift cards. They generally accept gift cards from a vast range of retailers, exceeding the acceptance list of some marketplaces. While they adhere to standard industry practices – rejecting expired cards or promotional cards with restrictions – you’re more likely to find a buyer for less common gift cards, even if the return isn’t maximized.
CardCash also offers a trade-in option, allowing you to exchange your gift card for another retailer’s card, often with a bonus value of up to 11%. Trading for a versatile gift card like Amazon, which offers a vast selection of products, can be a practical alternative to cash for gift card, especially if you plan to make purchases online.
Buying Discounted Gift Cards: Saving Money on Future Purchases
The same platforms that allow you to sell unwanted gift cards also function as marketplaces for discounted gift cards. Savvy shoppers can purchase gift cards for less than their face value, effectively saving money on future purchases. If you regularly shop at specific stores, buying discounted gift cards can be a smart financial move.
When purchasing discounted gift cards, consider using a rewards credit card to maximize your savings. While these purchases might not fall into bonus reward categories, using a credit card that offers a flat rate cash back on all purchases, like the Citi Double Cash® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, or Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, ensures you earn rewards on every dollar spent, further enhancing your savings.
FAQs About Selling and Exchanging Gift Cards
Do Coinstar Machines Buy Gift Cards?
No, Coinstar machines no longer offer gift card exchange services. The Coinstar Exchange program has been discontinued.
What Gift Cards Does Prepaid2Cash Accept?
Prepaid2Cash primarily accepts prepaid cards from major brands like MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. They also accept gift cards from many popular retailers, including Starbucks, Walmart, and Best Buy. Gift card balances must be between $25 and $1,000, and the cards must not have restrictions. Prepaid2Cash generally does not accept registered cards, non-transferable cards, promotional cards, paper gift cards, or merchandise credits with expiration dates.
Does Cash App Buy Gift Cards?
No, Cash App does not currently offer a service to buy gift cards for cash.
How Quickly Does CardCash Pay You?
CardCash typically processes payments within one to two business days after your order is approved and your gift card is verified.
Conclusion: Unlock the Value of Unused Gift Cards
Don’t let unwanted gift cards become clutter. By using online marketplaces or direct buyers, you can easily convert them into cash for gift card. Whether you choose the marketplace approach for potentially higher returns (with a bit more effort) or the direct buyer route for speed and convenience, numerous options are available to help you unlock the cash value of those plastic cards. Explore platforms like GCX and CardCash to find the best solution for your needs and turn those unwanted gifts into something you truly desire – cash in hand.
